Undergrounding - 22 July 2003 Print

Vector, one of New Zealand's largest multi-network operators, today announced Auckland city will benefit from the next major phase of its multi-million dollar undergrounding programme, which will see overhead lines in a large part of Rosebank and Avondale put underground.

The company's announcement also comes with confirmation that both Telecom and Auckland City will play key roles in the Rosebank Undergrounding Project, ensuring a comprehensive 'Dig-Once' improvement of the streetscape.

Vector CEO Mark Franklin says the project marks the beginning of yet another milestone for the company's undergrounding programme.

"One of our key goals for the programme has been to coordinate a 'Dig-Once' approach - which involves getting together with councils and other utilities to completely revitalise an area at the same time.

We are delighted to have Telecom and Auckland City on board for the project which will mean a complete transformation of the Rosebank and Avondale areas."

A large block, involving more than 11 kilometres of residential and commercial streets in Rosebank and Avondale, has been earmarked for the $12 million project - benefiting up to 1400 homes and businesses in the area. Under the ground-breaking partnership, all overhead phone and power lines will be removed and parts of the area will be upgraded with new pavements (where necessary), improved street lighting, streetscaping improvements, bus shelters and other street furniture.

"While we have already completed a number of smaller projects across Auckland city, this is by far the largest, and most complex we have ever undertaken in the Auckland area," said Mr Franklin.

The project route begins at Great North Road and encompasses Rosebank Road and many of its side streets, extending the length of the peninsular, all the way to the North-Western Motorway.

Mr Frankin says Vector vision to coordinate a 'Dig-Once' approach to large works projects not only provides major benefits to the organisations involved, but also to the local communities as well.

"There are huge advantages for all parties involved - not least our customers - in doing such a large area in one operation. All too often, street works are completed only to see other parties arrive shortly afterwards to dig it all up again. Part of our vision for our undergrounding programme is to put an end to this by coordinating our efforts with others to deliver a 'one-time fix'. "

"The sheer size and scale of this project also means we are able to further optimise and modernise our network in the area, to ensure it is able to cater for future growth. At the same time, the council has an opportunity to transform the appearance of the whole area - not just repair footpaths in our wake," Mr Franklin said.

Mike Schwalger, Telecom Investment Planning Manager - Access, said Telecom looks to underground cables where there's support from power utilities and the local community, as well as sound commercial reasons.

"Removing old poles will visually enhance the Rosebank area. By working in this way with Vector, the streets need only be dug up once, minimising disruption to residents and the local community."

The Rosebank Undergrounding Project follows closely on the expected completion of Vector's Papatoetoe Undergrounding Project shortly, of which Telecom and Manukau City Council are key 'Dig-Once' partners.

Mr Franklin says whilst the two projects are similar, the Rosebank project has a different level of complexity because it involves a mix of both residential and industrial areas.

Work on the project will begin on Monday July 28, and is expected to be completed in April next year. The first streets to benefit will include Rosebank Road (near Copsey Place), Mead Street, and Esmeralda Avenue.

Ends

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